We regularly conduct research and analysis across a wide range of industries, and we share our point-of-view on the critical issues facing businesses today through a stable of publications.

 Our Latest Publications 

Making a Federal Case Out of State Sales Taxes
(February 2012)

Operating at budget shortfalls, states are increasingly seeking to collect sales taxes from public companies. In this article, we explain why companies and their boards should be aware of their sales tax obligations.
 

January: Top-Line Fool's Gold
(February 2012)

At the beginning of January, pundits expressed optimism that 2011 holiday sales came in on the high side of consensus estimates. But we were skeptical that the stronger sales were really indicative of the improving health of retail.
 

Compliance and the Road Ahead: Insights for Executives and In-House Counsel
(January 2012)

Since the collapse of Enron and Worldcom, sweeping regulations have been introduced and existing laws have been subject to increased enforcement. In light of these trends, we highlight key compliance issues for companies and their executives in 2012.

Healthcare Fraud: No Time to "Kick Back" and Relax 
(January 2012)

Healthcare fraud can take many forms. However, of the enforcement actions taken by the government, in 2011, a large portion involved kickbacks. In this article we provide an overview of the anti-kickback legal framework facing the healthcare industry.

 

December: What a Month! And our Top 10 Retail Predictions for 2012
(January 2012)

In this edition of our monthly viewpoint, we take a look at December performance and offer our Top 10 Predictions for the retail industry in 2012.

UK Bribery Act: Turning Prevention into Effective Compliance 
(December 2011)

The UK Bribery Act introduces sweeping reforms to the UK’s laws against foreign bribery. With its enactment, companies may soon begin to re-examine their anti-bribery efforts as no longer will it be enough to simply identify improper conduct; they will need to prevent it from occurring too. But, as we note, multinationals that can comply with the new law, and when necessary, adopt additional policies to meet its requirements, may be able to develop a competitive advantage.

Focus on Heavy Equipment: Six Steps to Managing Raw Material Price Volatility
(December 2011)

In the Heavy Equipment industry, commodity-price volatility can take a heavy toll on margins. To succeed—even survive—in the current environment, companies in this industry must clearly understand their exposure and work proactively to protect margins. Read Focus on Heavy Equipment: Six Steps to Managing Raw Material Price Volatility to learn how. 

November Comps: Black Friday Weekend: The Ironman of Shopping
(December 2011)

Economic recovery is a question mark for retailers and consumers alike. While the issues vary by retail segment, retailers across the board face important questions about increasing risk in costs, margins, inventory, and the consumer. Heading into Holiday 2011, retailers need to think seriously about two central issues: The Big Picture—how consumers are feeling against the backdrop of a potentially stabilizing economy; and The Retail Reality—a renewed focus on inventory, planning, and the Web.

Cost and Complexity: The 2011 U.S. Manufacturing-Outsourcing Cost Index
(December 2011)

As U.S. manufacturers regain some of their global competitiveness, Mexico retains the lowest landed costs for U.S. customers, while other low-cost countries (LCCs) had higher costs but remained more competitive than China. Over the next four to five years, several factors could combine to erode China’s competitive advantage, making flexibility and constant diligence essential in implementing aggressive global supply chain strategy.